Training the Duke — Alexa Aston

An army officer who has returned to his childhood home . . .An earl's daughter forced to earn her own living . . .Two damaged souls who find friendship . . . and love . . .Lieutenant-General Cyrus Cressley's head wound leaves him blind in one eye and unsuited to lead men into battle. Selling his commission, Cy returns to Melrose to find his father long dead and his distant brother, who is in poor health, the new Duke of Margate. Cy is given use of the hunting lodge on the estate, where he seeks to find his purpose in life after being forced from the military.Lady Finola Honeyfield's come-out was ruined when a cruel trick was played upon her, leaving her to trust no one but her dogs. She retreats to the country and becomes one of England's premier trainers of English springer spaniels, having found a way to earn her keep, even as she is lost in loneliness.Thanks to her Honeyfield spaniels, Finola has a chance meeting with Cy. Soon, a friendship springs up between them, with Cy even helping Finola train her current litter of pups. But these two keep secrets from one another and when Cy suddenly finds himself the Duke of Margate, Finola washes her hands of him.Can Cy convince Finola they are meant to be together and forge a path as the Duke and Duchess of Margate-or will her mistrust of gentlemen of the ton keep them apart forever?Each book in the Suddenly a Duke series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.Suddenly a Duke:Book 1 - Portrait of the DukeBook 2 - Music for the DukeBook 3 - Polishing the DukeBook 4 - Designs on the DukeBook 5 - Fashioning the DukeBook 6 - Love Blooms with the DukeBook 7 - Training the DukeBook 8 - Investigating the Duke